Blackview phones and after sales service very disappointing

I purchased a Blackview BV6800 Pro in Jan 2020. The phone worked perfectly until 2 weeks ago. It is rated to be up IP68 specification and from their promotional material it states that the phone can withstand being submersed under water to a depth of 1.5m for up to 30 minutes.

Based on this specification, I have used the phone several times in the swimming pool to take photos and videos, some of which are under water at a depth of no more than an arms length, but way less than 1.5m.

Then 2 weeks ago while relaxing in my pool and using the phone again to take videos, it went blank a short while later. I could not get the phone to come back on, although it still made sounds and I could hear that it was still on. I then contacted Blackview and organized to have the phone couriered up to them in Pretoria from Durban.

Yesterday, I was informed by Blackview that the phone was not repairable. This was the feedback: We are sorry to inform you that your device was declared B.E.R (Beyond economical repair)due to liquid damage to the device. Cost to repair the unit is more than 80% of the cost of a new device

The Liquid caused a short circuit on the power IC and caused damage to the entire main board.

I then expressed my displeasure at this reply, given the IP68 specs and that I did nothing extraordinary. I was then given the following answer: (excuse the spelling errors, but I have cut and paste the exact answer): There is many factors to consider when this happens. heat expanse the seals that make the unit waterproof and once you take it in to water they parish. The age of the unit as nothing is made to last forever. Age also causes the seals to parish and was the unit used with in the specs of Ip68.

I was lastly informed that I could arrange to have the unit collected from the Sales Support office. I told the technician he could through the phone in the dustbin as it was useless to me. I also vowed never to purchase a Blackview and will discourage anyone considering to purchase one not to. A phone built with IP68 specs that barely lasted 1 year!!!! I have lost so much data : contacts and pictures etc.

I will now look at purchasing a UleFone or Oukitel rugged phone. Lets hope that either of these are a better product.